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Checkout of main engine No. 2 and No. 3 yaw actuators is being performed today. Fuel cell voltage tests have been completed. Work to install water spray boiler No. 3 continues. Water spray boiler No. 2 installation and checkout is complete. Mass memory unit No. 2 has been removed and replaced and has now been loaded with software in preparation for retest. The functional test of the external tank door has been completed. Reconfiguration of the payload bay for Astro-2 is finished and associated payload electrical systems are being tested in preparation for payload installation about the middle of the month.

MISSION: STS-71 -- 1st MIR DOCKING

The ATLAS-3 and CRISTA-SPAS payloads are being removed today. Atlas-3 will be taken to the Operations and Checkout Building for deintegration. CRISTA-SPAS will be taken to NASA Spacecraft Hangar AM for removal of the data tapes. The CRISTA instruments will be returned to the principal investigators in the United States and Germany. Also, about the first of the new year, the SPAS carrier will returned to Germany. The SSBUV will be removed from the payload bay on Tuesday.

Other work today includes a functional test of the orbiter's forward reaction control system. Preparations are underway for the pending removal of the right orbital maneuvering system pod for its routine maintenance at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility in the KSC Industrial Area.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 3, stacking of the left forward booster segment is occurring today.